by Karthik Ramakrishnan
MUMBAI, NOV 29, 2016: The entire premises, of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, reverberated with the victory chant "Bosco, Bosco" on the occasion of the 25th Annual Sports festival held at the institution on November 28.
Given that the institution is celebrating its Platinum Jubilee, the sports fest was conducted at an intra school level on the first day, while inter school events took place on the second day, as participants from other Salesian schools and schools from the vicinity joined in for the mega excitement at Matunga.
A prayer service was held at the onset to invoke the blessings of the Almighty by singing hymns. Day One saw the students turn out in full strength in their respective house jerseys. Students of standard IX D rendered service as referees for the various games.
Father Edwin D'Souza, Rector at the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna, was the Chief Guest for the event and declared the meet open. A well-synchronized March Past of the various houses, the RSP, NCC and Scouts was conducted and it was followed by the drill displays and the School band.
Torch bearers comprising of parent, Mary Benson, Sports educator at G N Khalsa college, staff members Rakesh Singh and Barkha Shah and a student Shakshay Pradhan, lit the flame.
Father Bernard Fernandes, the Principal of the school, exhorted the students to display a fair game and respect the opponents. Students competed in a variety of games, on the first day, like cricket, football, basketball, kabaddi, chess and table-tennis.
The DJ played music right through the day, entertaining the spectators and sportsmen alike. The climax of day one was the Tug of War between the Red and Green houses showcasing their might. Towards the end, the athletics winners were felicitated with medals. The Red house emerged as the victors with the highest score.
On day two, the inter-school athletic meet witnessed the Salesian and the neighbouring schools along with Don Bosco High School Matunga vying for top honours in the different athletic events. In a well-contested competition, Don Bosco High School, Matunga emerged as the Best Boys School in Sports while Don Bosco, Naigaon clinched the Best Girls School title.
"Today's event was a great display of goodwill, team spirit and above all sportsmanship, the true Bosco way," Aakarsh Nair, sports and activity vice captain of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, said.